Doctors can now prescribe going to a nature park

Doctors can now prescribe that you spend a year in national parks as a remedy to improve your physical and mental health. But we have to tell you the downside, this measure will only be implemented in Canada.

In November 2020, Parks Canada and Park Prescriptions joined forces to launch a programme called Park Prescriptions (PaRx) in British Columbia. The initiative was extended to Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Dr Melissa Lem, director of Park Prescriptions, expanded on the potential benefits of the programme: “There is strong evidence for the health benefits of time in nature, from improved immune function and life expectancy to reduced risk of heart disease, depression and anxiety. I’m excited to see those benefits increase through this new collaboration.”

Park Prescriptions has been cited by the World Health Organization as a way to care for the nature that is the foundation of our health. According to Lem, every prescription from nature could result in a healthier planet. “Research shows that children and adults who are more connected to nature are not only more likely to work to conserve it, but also engage in other pro-environmental behaviours,” he said. It is also recommended that they prioritise patients who live near historic sites or national parks.

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